Servicing a Zenith 16520 Daytona

[horologymania]

Hello,

When I gave my watchmaker my 16520 Zenith Daytona for servicing, he told me that a small part of the movement is broken and needs to be replaced. He said he would have to replace it with an aftermarket component (which he is making it from scratch himself) since the movement is no longer in production and he is not able to source nos vintage rolex parts. He said normally watchmakers can only source rolex parts that are part of the current rolex models.

How should I proceed? I can’t give it to Rolex for servicing as they are insisting on changing the dial as they view the patina on the subdial as damage.

Thanks everyone in advance.

[Dan S]

Some watchmakers will hunt down spare parts for vintage movements (of all brands) on the secondary market. If he won't do it, you can do it yourself, or find another watchmaker. In general, manufacturers do not necessarily supply comprehensive parts for vintage movements. This is simply part of owning vintage watches, IMO.

[horologymania]

Originally Posted by Dan S

Some watchmakers will hunt down spare parts on the secondary market. If he won't do it, you can do it yourself, or find another watchmaker.

Thanks for letting me know. He said the broken part is something like a nail connecting the crown to the watch that it won’t be available as spare parts on the secondary market. Not sure if i have another option than have him create it.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by horologymania

Thanks for letting me know. He said the broken part is something like a nail connecting the crown to the watch that it won’t be available as spare parts on the secondary market. Not sure if i have another option than have him create it.

The stem?

[horologymania]

Originally Posted by Dan S

The stem?

I am not sure haha. Haven’t seen the part in person. It is just what the watchmaker told me.


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Instagram@ seoulwatchguy

[swish77]

Originally Posted by horologymania

I can’t give it to Rolex for servicing as they are insisting on changing the dial as they view the patina on the subdial as damage.

I've never heard of patina being a reason that an RSC would insist on a dial change, unless it had crumbling tritium from hour markers. The sub-dial patina on a 16520 should not be a factor. Sure, an RSC would recommend changing the dial, but insist? OP, I'd try speaking to a manager/supervisor at your RSC or perhaps seeing if another RSC in Korea would service just the movement.

A couple of years ago I had this 16520 serviced at the RSC in NYC, and it has quite noticeable patina on the sub-dials. Only the movement was serviced, with the original dial and hands left alone, and no polishing. They recommended changing the dial and hands, but I declined, of course.

[horologymania]

Originally Posted by swish77

I've never heard of patina being a reason that an RSC would insist on a dial change, unless it had crumbling tritium from hour markers. The sub-dial patina on a 16520 should not be a factor. Sure, an RSC would recommend changing the dial, but insist? OP, I'd try speaking to a manager/supervisor at your RSC or perhaps seeing if another RSC in Korea would service just the movement.

A couple of years ago I had this 16520 serviced at the RSC in NYC, and it has quite noticeable patina on the sub-dials. Only the movement was serviced, with the original dial and hands left alone, and no polishing. They recommended changing the dial and hands, but I declined, of course.

I, too, have a much positive experience with RSC NYC. RSC in Korea is a little more strict about doing things the way they want based on my experience.


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Instagram@ seoulwatchguy

[travisb]

Originally Posted by swish77

I've never heard of patina being a reason that an RSC would insist on a dial change, unless it had crumbling tritium from hour markers. The sub-dial patina on a 16520 should not be a factor. Sure, an RSC would recommend changing the dial, but insist? OP, I'd try speaking to a manager/supervisor at your RSC or perhaps seeing if another RSC in Korea would service just the movement.

A couple of years ago I had this 16520 serviced at the RSC in NYC, and it has quite noticeable patina on the sub-dials. Only the movement was serviced, with the original dial and hands left alone, and no polishing. They recommended changing the dial and hands, but I declined, of course.

Good to know . I have a 16520 with great patina that is due for service and the dial is the last thing I would want to lose.

Good luck OP. Good suggestions in this thread so far.

[jinikari01]

OP its a tough call. Koreans are known for their craftmenship to details.
How reputable is your current watchmaker and their experience on Rolex?

I too am surprise RSC is forcing dial swap or no service...
Good luck and hope you get your watch up to 100% working condition.

[rockysw]

I would try few other independents before making a final decision. Always do your own due dillgence instead of relying on other is my philosophy :D

[PenDelicate]

You could have your watchmaker replace the dial with an aftermarket dial (or remove the dial entirely) and then send it to an RSC for service.

[rmwill]

If you can follow directions and communicate with RSC clearly they will NOT swap any parts without authorization. People here who claim otherwise did not follow the two steps in the previous sentence. Using an AD as the intermediary usually results in miscommunications with RSC.

[Tavli3]

OP I assure you sending your beautiful watch to Philip Ridely is well worth the extra effort involved. Today it’s almost the same shipping from SKorea to AZ as is shipping from South Florida. Insurance is the issue. You can find 3rd party insurers to cover you. I wouldn’t take any chances with your watch unless you trust your local watchmaker 100% to hand craft the replacement part. Philip overhauled my gilt 5513 and sent it back running like new. Expensive, yes. Worth it, yes!


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[Jawnz]

Beautiful watch and I would get a second opinion from a couple more independents if possible. Some still have active parts accounts or stockpiles.

[horologymania]

Originally Posted by Jawnz

Beautiful watch and I would get a second opinion from a couple more independents if possible. Some still have active parts accounts or stockpiles.

Thanks for your opinion. It seems that it is unlikely that another watchmaker would be able to find a nos as it is something like a nail connecting the crown to the watch. Not sure if i have an alternative option other than having the watchmaker make the part.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by horologymania

Thanks for your opinion. It seems that it is unlikely that another watchmaker would be able to find a nos as it is something like a nail connecting the crown to the watch. Not sure if i have an alternative option other than having the watchmaker make the part.

Watchmakers, hand making a movement part, is a time-honored tradition and not generally considered "aftermarket" as the term is often used.

[horologymania]

Originally Posted by Tools

Watchmakers, hand making a movement part, is a time-honored tradition and not generally considered "aftermarket" as the term is often used.

Well noted


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Instagram@ seoulwatchguy

[Onequik135i]

Try Philip Ridley or Rik Dietel at Timecare Inc.

[horologymania]

Originally Posted by Onequik135i

Try Philip Ridley or Rik Dietel at Timecare Inc.

I am currently located in South Korea, so I am seeking options locally. Thanks for the recs tho.

[horologymania]

Originally Posted by Onequik135i

Try Philip Ridley or Rik Dietel at Timecare Inc.

I might give it a try if i can’t find a good option in Asia


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Instagram@ seoulwatchguy